Dubai: Parking at the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is no longer free as paid parking was activated on Monday, after the signs were installed in the community.

However, motorists are confused as there are no parking meters to pay the fee that ranges from Dh4 per hour to Dh10 per hour and the SMS payment system is not always reliable. Currently, motorists can pay parking fee either by SMS or through the RTA’s smart parking app.

“I saw the paid parking signs on Sunday when I came back from the National Day holidays. I wanted to pay but there are no meters and the RTA’s app doesn’t recognise the parking codes of the area, so how are we expected to pay?” asked Gurmeet Singh, an Indian expat who works in Cluster T of JLT.

Another expatriate Abdul Waheed, whose work brings him to the posh neighbourhood almost daily, said that he tried to pay through SMS but there was no response.

“The security guard here says the paid parking system is active. I sent the SMS but there was no reply. I am afraid if I leave the vehicle without paying, I will get a fine and my company will not pay. They have to set up meters which allow hassle-free payments,” said Waheed, who works as a driver.

Though, according to most motorists that Gulf News spoke with, parking was not a such big issue, but paid parking has certainly helped improve the situation.

“Normally, I had to wait for a few minutes before finding a space, now that it is not free, it has become easier. Today I found a space without having to wait,” said Ahmadou Muhaimin, who works for a fire alarm supplying firm serving many buildings in JLT.

Jessie Simbulan, a deliveryman working for a courier company, appreciated the fact that it is easier to find a parking space now, but said parking meters would have made his life better.

“I come here everyday for delivery. It’s easier now to find parking, there is no need to wait. Before we had to wait for at least 15-20 minutes. But what I don’t like is the payment system. It’s better if there is a machine, because I have to show the bill to our management and having paper tickets makes it easier to get reimbursement,” said Simbulan, a Filipino expat.

Last month, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed a deal with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the developer of JLT, to operate the visitors parking in the area.

Currently, the first phase of the paid parking system covering 1,936 parking slots has been activated, while the remaining slots will be activated in phases over the next two years.

Just as in the many other private developments, the RTA’s seasonal parking permits will not be valid in the area.

No meters?

JLT is considered a smart locality and hence smart payment methods are applied for parking which include SMS and paying through RTA Dubai mobile app.

Glitches

In response to the issues motorists in JLT have experienced making payments via the SMS and RTA mobile app, an RTA spokesperson said that the payment system is currently being updated and we request commuters to contact the RTA on 8009090 in case they do face any issues whilst making payments.

Dh10 per hour?

Parking fee for a few parking spots in the area costs Dh10 per hour, and here is what RTA says about it: Such areas have been identified by DMCC as prime areas according to their location and convenience of parking. Moreover, the high tariff for prime parking will increase the turnover for these parking and will increase their availability.

Prime parking

The RTA has introduced a new concept of Prime Parking in the area, reserving a few slots in each parking lot for the prime parking, which costs Dh10 per hour and is limited to only three hours at a stretch.

How can I pay for my parking fees in JLT?

Motorists will be able to pay their parking fees only through the RTA’s convenient Parking System via SMS, or through its designated SMART Parking smartphone app.

Can I use my JLT permit parking card?

JLT Permit Card is not applicable.

Can I use or buy RTA’s seasonal parking card?

Seasonal card parking is not applicable and can’t be used in JLT parkingCards or coin payments will not be applicable

MY GULF NEWS

GulfNews.com is the most widely read newspaper, and online site in English in the Middle East. With a daily BPA audited paid circulation of over 108,000, and an online audience of 3.5 million uniques every month, it is your go to source for information on the region. Sign up below to begin personalising your experience